More than 1,200 Adventist Women Ministry leaders in the West Indonesia Union Mission completed level 4 of their leadership certification training through an online seminar in May 2021. The certification program which originates from the General Conference (GC) of the Seventh-day Adventists focuses on empowering and equipping Adventist women for various leadership and church-related skills.
“The WM Leadership Certification program empowers our women as they serve in leadership positions,” said Virginia Baloyo, Southern Asia-Pacific Division Women’s Ministry director. “Aside from leadership skills, the curriculum from Levels I to IV includes Bible, History, and Philosophy, how to do Nurture and Outreach programs, as well as how to develop or improve one’s skills in writing, speaking, dealing with people,” Baloyo added.
The women leaders joined in various online activities and workshops that follow the Adventist world church theme of “I Will Go”.
Adventist women leaders from the General Conference and the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) graced the online event and facilitated the Bible readings, spiritual messages, testimonies, training, and workshops.
Heather-Dawn Small, director, and Raquel Arrais, associate director of the Women’s Ministries of the General Conference delivered messages on empowering women in different responsibilities that God called them to be a part of.
The following Women’s Ministries leaders facilitated other activities and seminars during the two-day gathering: Virgie Baloyo, Women’s Ministries director of the Southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD); Hellen Gulfan, former Adventist Women’s Ministries director of SSD; Jenny Sagala, Women’s Ministries director of West Indonesia Union Mission; Medis Marbun, Women’s Ministries director of the Jakarta Local Conference; and Sofia Tambunan, Women’s Ministries director of the local conference in Jakarta.
The series of presentations covered topics on mentoring women, equipping leaders for success, women’s leadership in the Bible, leadership mentoring for the 21st-century woman, and Jesus’ leadership model. These topics were designed to encourage women to practice and apply principles not only inside the church but in their daily lives, thus becoming an inspiration to others.
“During this pandemic, we are happy for what we have, grateful for this modality of learning which gathered thousands at zero travel cost,” said Baloyo. “Fellowship and greetings may be limited, but the chatbox burned with conversations! Our smiles were just as wide and friendly.”
Women’s ministry is about following the footsteps of Christ and revealing His character in physical, social, mental, and spiritual aspects of existence. The results show a reflection of who Christ is and enable others to see Jesus in their lives.
The certification program strengthens the women leaders' sense of value and directs them to their responsibilities in the church and the community.
Jenny Sagala, Women's Ministry Director and Pastor David Panjaitan, Communication Director of West Indonesia Union Mission